Zoo becomes Zushi Games

A new label called Zushi Games launches next month, built from what was previously Zoo Digital Publishing.The original Sheffield-based Zoo was bought by US outfit Greenscreen Inc a year ago, but bosses Ian Stewart and Barry Hatch regained control of the firm via a management buy-out in November.

The new Zushi company and label will be launched with its own portfolio of Nintendo Wii and DS titles, whilst also boosting its portfolio by distributing some Greenscreen (Zoo Inc) games.

The original deal just didn't work out as well as it was supposed to. Things certainly weren't helped by the economy,” Stewart told MCV.

As a business, we will be better off independent. We're a British company again and we're very confident for the future but that isn't to say we would not look to partner with someone else in the future. That will depend on the opportunities and needs of the business.

Greenscreen has since changed its name to Zoo Inc, which has brought about the need for us to change our name to Zushi.”

Zushi expects to release 20-25 titles a year.

The first titles in its line-up include the Wii Fit balance board-compatible Skate City Heroes, plus Puzzle Kingdoms for Nintendo Wii and DS, which is developed by the studio that made the popular Puzzle Quest.

Also on the schedule are self-developed titles Jelly Belly's Ballistic Beans, Love Is In Bloom and Smiley World Island Challenge.

Small publishers can survive in the market. In fact, this is a good time to be fleet of foot. We don't have the same pressures as the big boys,” added Stewart.

Zushi will focus on mid-price titles with realistic expectations but watch this space as there are exciting opportunities ahead for some big titles.”